Project Spotlights

Uniting Original Character and Modern Aesthetic with Dark Oak Vintage Parquet

Striking the balance between preserving a period property’s history whilst modernising its interior can be a complex line to tread. Find out how photographer James Everett manages to achieve just that in an ongoing renovation of his beautiful Edwardian home that blends original character with a clean, modern aesthetic.

Broadleaf Dark Oak Vintage Parquet in a living room with bright yellow sofa.

THE PROJECT

James wanted to carefully reimagine his beautiful Edwardian property, with the vision of celebrating its original character whilst introducing a cleaner, more contemporary and practical aesthetic.

The aim was to sympathetically restore original features and traditional detailing whilst at the same time creating a streamlined, modern interior.

Plank and parquet floors are both beautiful, but if you like both and don’t know which to choose, the following might help you.

Plank floors are quicker and easier to install than parquet, which means that they will be less expensive to install. They are also a simpler DIY option. That said, parquet floors have an undeniable wow factor, and create a feature all on their own. This is one of the reasons that they are such a popular choice for hallways, which can often be difficult to furnish due to their size and the need to be able to move through them freely.

Herringbone parquet is also a great solution for unusually shaped rooms such as L shapes or those entered from more than one direction, as the pattern works both ways, whereas plank floors tend to look better in one direction or another.

Plank and parquet floors are both beautiful, but if you like both and don’t know which to choose, the following might help you.

Plank floors are quicker and easier to install than parquet, which means that they will be less expensive to install. They are also a simpler DIY option. That said, parquet floors have an undeniable wow factor, and create a feature all on their own. This is one of the reasons that they are such a popular choice for hallways, which can often be difficult to furnish due to their size and the need to be able to move through them freely.

Herringbone parquet is also a great solution for unusually shaped rooms such as L shapes or those entered from more than one direction, as the pattern works both ways, whereas plank floors tend to look better in one direction or another.

THE BRIEF

Flooring was always going to be one of the defining features of the renovation and the foundation of the interior design.

James had previously admired a Broadleaf parquet floor at a friend’s home and was fairly sure that this would create the aesthetic he had in mind and create the right atmosphere – he wanted a high-quality solid wood floor with genuine character, rather than something that looked newly manufactured.

For a busy family home shared with children and dogs, practicality was also important -the flooring needed to be durable and easy to live with, as well as looking good and feeling authentic.

Plank and parquet floors are both beautiful, but if you like both and don’t know which to choose, the following might help you.

Plank floors are quicker and easier to install than parquet, which means that they will be less expensive to install. They are also a simpler DIY option. That said, parquet floors have an undeniable wow factor, and create a feature all on their own. This is one of the reasons that they are such a popular choice for hallways, which can often be difficult to furnish due to their size and the need to be able to move through them freely.

Herringbone parquet is also a great solution for unusually shaped rooms such as L shapes or those entered from more than one direction, as the pattern works both ways, whereas plank floors tend to look better in one direction or another.

Plank and parquet floors are both beautiful, but if you like both and don’t know which to choose, the following might help you.

Plank floors are quicker and easier to install than parquet, which means that they will be less expensive to install. They are also a simpler DIY option. That said, parquet floors have an undeniable wow factor, and create a feature all on their own. This is one of the reasons that they are such a popular choice for hallways, which can often be difficult to furnish due to their size and the need to be able to move through them freely.

Herringbone parquet is also a great solution for unusually shaped rooms such as L shapes or those entered from more than one direction, as the pattern works both ways, whereas plank floors tend to look better in one direction or another.

THE SOLUTION

Dark Oak VIntage Parquet

Our Dark Oak Vintage Parquet proved the perfect fit for James’ vision: “We knew we wanted parquet and real wood, so it was then just a matter of colour. We ordered a few samples from Broadleaf and decided on the dark vintage option.”

Dark Oak is a beautiful inky tone, softened by the warm tones and unique grain of the timber beneath. The vintage parquet option has gently distressed edges and a gently worn patina that gives it an instant years old look that blends seamlessly period architecture. Manufactured from carefully selected and sustainably sourced European oak, each solid parquet block is authentically aged in our West Wales workshops to create the subtle texture, softened edges and rich patina associated with generations of natural wear.

Rather than looking freshly installed, James’ floor felt immediately at home alongside the period Edwardian features and original architectural details of his interior.

Laid in traditional herringbone pattern, the floor is a design feature in its own right, bringing subtle elegance and interest to each room. Its deep characterful tones add warmth and depth to the generous, well lit rooms and gravitas to the classic modern decor. All in all, a timeless and versatile foundation that unites and balances the modern and traditional elements of the interior and brings them into harmony.

The addition of an integrated coir mat at the entrance is a something we love love to see – a clever way to make a practical item that will  protect the surface of the floor over time into a beautiful design detail.

THE RESULT

The result is a quietly luxurious floor that feels entirely at home within the architecture of the property – so much so that many visitors assume it’s original.

“The finish is unlike other parquets I have seen, and everyone thinks it’s original to the house but has been restored—exactly as we had hoped.”

James is so pleased with the final outcome that he’s planning to install it throughout the ground floor.

“We love the floor. It is a main feature of the room, and when completed it will run from the dining room all the way through to the living room. I know this is going to look amazing.”

James also praised the support he received throughout the project from our experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated sales & projects team.

“The help and advice I received from the Broadleaf team was fantastic. From day one they advised on what was needed, worked around our awkward delivery times, and the aftercare has also been brilliant, helping with aftercare products and ongoing advice.”

A Floor Designed to Stand the Test of Time

Our Original Vintage parquet collection has always been a popular choice for period homes. By combining the timeless beauty of solid oak with authentic aged character, it allows homeowners to create interiors that feel as though they’ve evolved naturally over generations rather than been completed in a single renovation.

If you want to install a beautiful parquet floor of your own but don’t know where to start, please give us a call or visit one of our beautiful showrooms for some inspiration.


 

Client and Photography: James Everett @jameseverettphoto

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